At least 33 people have lost their lives and nearly 20 others were injured after a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine in central Peru while traveling toward the capital, Lima.
The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when a bus operated by León Express was making its overnight journey from Huánuco, a city in Peru’s central jungle region. Authorities say the accident happened around kilometer 72 of the Central Highway — a critical transport route notorious for its dangerous curves and steep terrain.
Initial investigations suggest the bus collided with a mountainside before careening off the road and tumbling more than 100 meters into a ravine. The wreckage stopped only a short distance from the Rímac River, highlighting how narrowly the disaster avoided becoming even more deadly.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene as soon as the crash was reported. Police officers, firefighters, and medical teams were forced to navigate extremely steep and unstable terrain to reach the victims. The scene was harrowing, with mangled metal, broken glass, and passengers’ belongings scattered across the ravine.
Early reports from the National Police confirmed 17 fatalities, but as rescue and recovery operations continued throughout the day, the death toll rose sharply. By the afternoon, officials confirmed that at least 33 people had been killed.
Colonel Manuel Lozana, head of the Highway Police, stated that several survivors were transported to hospitals in nearby towns and in Lima. Some remain in critical condition, suffering from severe injuries including fractures and internal trauma.
“This is among the deadliest road accidents we have witnessed this year,” Lozana said. “The depth of the ravine and the force of the impact made rescue efforts extremely difficult.”
Relatives of passengers gathered near hospitals and the crash site, desperately searching for information about missing loved ones. Many were seen weeping, holding photographs and documents as they awaited confirmation amid the chaos.
The Central Highway is widely regarded as one of Peru’s most hazardous roads due to its narrow lanes, sharp turns, and steep drops — dangers that are amplified during nighttime travel when visibility is poor and drivers may be fatigued.
The exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Authorities are investigating potential factors such as mechanical failure, excessive speed, driver fatigue, or adverse road conditions. Officials say data from the bus, if recoverable, could shed light on the final moments before the vehicle lost control.
The Peruvian government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and pledged assistance for medical treatment and recovery. Transportation officials have also renewed calls for stricter safety regulations, better road infrastructure, and more rigorous oversight of long-distance bus services.
As the nation mourns, what was meant to be a routine overnight trip has turned into a devastating tragedy — leaving dozens of families in grief and renewing urgent questions about road safety. Many hope this loss will lead to real change, so that Peru’s highways connect lives rather than claim them.
